Lego Quilt

My grandson loves Lego Ninjago and when I decided to make his quilt I knew that had to be the theme.  I didn't want the actual characters in the quilt (assuming fabric is even available for Lego Ninjago), but I wanted to replicate the colors used in the sets.  

I purchased Ohio Stars in Solids from Lorna McMahon at Sew Fresh Quilts.  The bold solids and pattern mix of Ohio Star and the 9 patch appealed to me.   Using the handy Palette Builder site,  I chose Kona solids in colors that matched the Ninjago Lego figures. 

  
Making some adaptations for block size.  I made 9 1/2 " blocks.  It meant more cutting and piecing but I love the smaller size blocks. I also added some rows.  I calculated the amount of fabric I needed and headed out to Mad about Patchwork in Richmond.  Lots of fun choosing the colors.  The store has a great selection of Kona solids.  They will make up a kit of Kona solids to make a 51" x 51" quilt in other Kona colors which is nice as well.

Here are some of my choices.  I like that fact that they label the colors.  I'll be able to identify any leftover fabric for other projects :)

After choosing the solids, I picked a light grey print in wideback for the backing.  It gave a bit more quiet feeling for the back as I knew the front would be a burst of color.  The binding would be black.

Lorna's blog on this quilt showed her using Accu Quilt which I didn't have.  I cut all pieces by hand and started piecing and within a few days had the top completed.

With backing and quilt top, I went to the gal who machine quilts for me.  We talked about a quilt design and nothing was quite what I had in mind.  I was going to settle for a traditional stitching when she offered to look for something that might work.  By the time I got home, she had emailed me 2 quilt stitch designs.  I was delighted with what she found and I chose one that worked perfectly.  Lego quilt blocks all over the quilt.

I hope he enjoys this quilt for years to come.

Even a Mouse Christmas Runner

Saw this cute fabric called Even a Mouse at Mad About Patchwork and decided to make a  Christmas runner.    I have done many Christmas star runners over the years and I wanted to try something different. 

Came across the Broken Herringbone tutorial .  It was for a 12 inch square block but I wanted to make a table runner in this pattern.  So, I made some adjustments and designed it to be approximately 12 1/2" x 36".

It went together easily - always making sure that I was cutting the proper 45 degree angle when trimming.  

Put it together with batting and backing and bound it with the striped fabric called Merry Mistletoe by Dena Designs.  I stitched in the ditch around the individual sections.

Victoria Quilts

Almonte Friends Group of Victoria Quilts meets once a month to bring together quilters interested in making quilts for  people with cancer in the Ottawa area.  It is hoped that these quilts provide some comfort to those struggling with this disease.  

These volunteer quilters can work independently or with groups.  The material for the quilts is donated or purchased by Victoria Quilts at a discount.  

The sessions begin with a short general meeting bringing everyone up to date on quilts made, donations received, quilts delivered, and show and tell for those quilters who have sewn a quilt top or finished an entire quilt.

Quilters then go about putting quilt tops, batting and backing together to be tied or taken by one of our long arm quilting volunteers to be machine quilted.  Others pick up kits or select material to take home and make a quilt top.  Quilt patterns are also available to inspire volunteers making the quilt tops.

It's a worthwhile charity run by volunteers of all skill levels and I'm proud to be a part of it.  It gives me great satisfaction to be able to contribute my time and quilting skills to help others.

Although I have only been involved with this group for a few months, I have managed to complete a lap quilt for the cause and am working on a second quilt. 

My first Victoria Quilt

Christmas Stockings

I had an idea for some Christmas stockings and cut some quilted fabric in the stocking shape.  

Once I had decided on the design, I picked through my stash for the right colors and prints.  

Then came the task of tracing and cutting out individual pieces from fabric backed with Stitch Witchery. 













 I ironed each piece to the stockings making sure to keep to the correct sequence of application.  Finally,  I machine satin stitched around the pieces.  The stockings were sewn together and topped with a border and hanging ribbon.



Only made one of each stocking so these are certainly unique Christmas stockings.

Table Runners

I follow the Tea Ginny Designs blogspot and when I saw Alex’s Autumnal Table Runner, I knew I wanted to give it a try. 

My dining area has a new canvas print of a photo taken by my husband and I wanted to match the colors as close as I could to the photo.    

 

When it comes to matching colors, I use Palette Builder.  It helps choose color palettes based on any photo. The chosen colors can then be matched to the closest solid fabrics in Kona and Moda Bella as well as Aurifil threads, and hex codes.  It’s my go to app for matching and it works.

 With color choices for Kona fabrics in hand, I perused Mad About Patchwork's Kona fabrics.  They have a wide selection of solid colors and it’s a great place to shop.

With a little planning, I was able to put the table runner together.  I think it matches the photo really well.  Enjoyed it so much I made one for the hutch and one for the dining table. 

 

Also practiced some free motion quilting on these runners.  Lots of fun.